Introduction

Thailand has long been a favourite destination for Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) teachers for its combination of gorgeous beaches and islands, excellent cuisine, fascinating multi-facetted culture, affordable cost of living and the renowned friendliness of the Thai people. What better place to gain your TEFL qualification than a sun-drenched beach paradise, coconut palms swaying and the sea glittering with pleasures for your time off?

This unique programme allows you to join in on the action with paid work as an English teacher, with training provided in one of the most iconic locations in Thailand – the stunning tropical island of Koh Samui. Depending on your background and previous experience, you may be placed in one of Thailand’s many private or public schools or language centres throughout the country, ensuring your experience will be as unique and tailored to your needs as possible.

The programme includes an intensive 4-week (120 hours) teacher-training course leading to a TEFL certificate, which will arm you not only with all the necessary teaching theories, techniques, classroom experience and practice in an intercultural context. After the orientation and training, your placement - and your adventure in Thailand – begins!

Training

The training programme has start dates throughout the year, with a summer and Christmas break. The Thai school system operates two 5-month terms, with school holidays in April and October, however it is possible to find teaching placements throughout the years as there is a huge demand in Thailand for English teachers.

The four-week course is designed to arm you with the skills and knowledge needed for an excellent career as a TEFL teacher, with an emphasis towards working with Asian learners. As a native English speaker, you will also get to find out first hand what learning a different language might be like, as your course will include foreign language elements. The training also includes real classroom experience in local schools and businesses, providing the perfect opportunity to prepare for your teaching placement. If your course takes place during the Thai school holidays, the in-class teaching will be offered as summer language camps for local kids (and adults!).

During your course, you will also touch upon necessary knowledge to tackle life in Thailand, learning about Thai culture, customs and traditions - with all its fascinating aspects.

It is important to remember you will be living and working in a culture that is very different to what you are used to and learning to anticipate what to expect in any given situation will greatly help you adjust to your new adventure.

Your course will also include time-management skills, to help you best plan out you working week once you start your teaching career.

Throughout the course, you will be set tasks, assignments and test, which will lead to a cumulative degree, included in your certificate. At the end of your training you will also receive a letter of recommendation as well as a personal assessment of the skills you have mastered during the course.

Working

Teaching placements are available in numerous locations all over Thailand, including rural and urban areas. During your training, interviews with prospective employers will be held via Skype or phone. You can state your preference for location and school, however you will need to be flexible, as ultimately, it is up to each school to make the decision. Teachers with a university degree and previous experience may have greater choice in placements.

During your placement you should expect to work a normal 40-hour week, Monday to Friday, with approximately 20 hours of teaching. Teachers in Thailand are accorded a great deal of respect and you will be expected to behave in a manner befitting this level of respect. You will need to dress and behave appropriately at all times. During your training course, you will be given tips and pointers how best to target your CV/resume to the market as well as interview preparation.

Travel & Accom.

Upon arrival in Thailand, you will be met at the local airport by a program representative and taken to your training location and accommodations.

During your training, accommodation is available in beach-front bungalows close to the training centre. Our recommended accommodation option starts at 12,000 THB (discounted for our participants) and includes access to the hotel gym and swimming pool, as well weekly cleaning and wifi. There are less expensive options available nearby if you prefer, discuss with us when applying.

During your teaching placement, you will live in your own private apartment in close proximity to your school. Some schools will offer accommodation as part of your salary package and others will assist with finding your housing.

Requirements

Minimum age 19. No upper age limit applies, though certain employers may impose this, especially if working with young children.

Teaching placements are guaranteed for native English speakers only (UK, Ireland, US, Canada, Aus, NZ and SA) with a university degree and who achieve at least an A- degree during your TEFL course.

Willingness to dress and behave appropriately both in training and during your placement.

Minimum 20 hours of teaching per week, Monday through Friday.

Willingness to adhere to and respect local Thai customs and traditions.

Salary:

Depending on your background and previous experience as well as location of your teaching placement, you can expect to earn around $900 USD/£700 GBP (฿30.000 THB) per month. Many schools offer accommodation as part of your salary package.

What's Not included:

Flights, visas, vaccinations, insurance, food, accommodation and domestic travel are not included. Full assistance will be provided in getting all these arranged if you choose our Premium Support.

Shared accommodation is available from $350 USD (฿12.000 THB) per month. See the Accommodation tab for more details.

Placement Support Package

For your trip, we will help you organise and plan everything you will need from start to finish. Our coordinators know each project & country like the back of their hand, and will be able to offer personalised advice to ensure your trip is well-planned & executed to perfection.

This includes one-to-one assistance planning and booking;

Pre-departure Support - Flights, Visas, Vaccinations, Insurance, Essential Items and anything else you will need before you set off.

Ongoing In-country Support - whilst you are on the project you can Contact us at any time with any questions or concerns and we will do whatever we can to help.

24/7 Emergency Support - a phone number that you or your family can ring at any time, night or day in case of emergency.

Our Placement Support Package costs £349 / $449 / €425 per person, and can be purchased once you are ready to confirm your place.

Past Participants Say

Evan Jansen

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"I would like to extend a great deal of gratitude to Global Nomadic for their hand in assimilating me into the Thai culture. Through the paid teaching program, I have been successfully implanted into one of the most amazing school systems I could ever have hoped for. I have set up shop in the southeast of Thailand in the province of Chant...

Nomad Rating

Project Impact

Support

Accommodation

Food

Extra Activities

Safety

"I first heard about the TEFL course whilst browsing the Internet for TEFL courses you can take abroad and that usually lead to a job in that country. I had travelled Asia at the end of 2013 and Thailand was one of my favourite places I'd been to; the culture, the food, the people, the scenery and the relaxed lifestyle.
This led me to ...